This is the story of two purses and how they turned into leather bracelets. I don’t know where the first one began but I found it in a local thrift store. It was love at first sight. Soft white leather with wood trim. I’d never had a white purse before. I used it almost every day that summer. By the end of the summer, it was worn through in spots and dirty. But I loved it so much I couldn’t get rid of it.
NOTE: Some of the photos in this article have mysteriously disappeared! I’m trying to find them in my photo storage… hopefully, they’ll be up soon.
Then the air began to get cooler and the darker colors and sweaters came out. I needed a new purse. This one came from T. J. Maxx, which is one of the few stores where I buy new clothes and accessories. It was nice, not love at first sight like the white one. But I grew to love it. This one had more pockets and was much easier to organize. Black, so it went with everything. It was big enough to put all my personal “purse” stuff, coupons, phone, lunch, water bottle, inventory for the shop, and even tools from time to time. I guess I abused it. It didn’t last long. One Friday afternoon, after a particularly rough day at work, I got home, got out of the car, and the purse strap broke. Not a good day.
I have trouble throwing things away. I’ve mentioned before on my blog that I’m a borderline hoarder, right? So I saved these two broken, dirty purses. I knew I could make something out of them. So I made leather bracelets out of them.
Sign up for my DIY email list & get all my DIY jewelry projects sent straight to your inbox!
DIY Leather Bracelets from a Purse Handle!
This is my ‘green’ project for the month. I was really happy with how they turned out. Especially the one made from the broken handle. A little different than what I usually do.
Just looking at these is inspiring me to get back in my craft room and make more. I have parts of both purses left, a strap from another, some belts, and a piece of leather that I actually bought, thinking about making bracelets. So there may be more photos coming!
If you like my repurposed leather bracelets, please pin my photos and follow me on Pinterest! Thanks!
And you may like these other repurposed projects, too:
- Bread Box Repurposed as a Jewelry Cabinet
- 10 Ways to Turn Your Hardware Store into a Jewelry Store
- 21 Handmade Jewelry Projects
- Antique Graphic Shrinky Dink Necklace
- Vintage Salt Shaker Necklace Tutorial with Video
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Etsy | YouTube
Originally published on February 25, 2012.
Pam Hoffman says
Do you have photos of the purses before transforming them? I’d love to see ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos together!
Pam Hoffman
EverydaySpacer.com
ducttapeanddenim says
Pam, No. I’m sorry I don’t have before photos. I wasn’t thinking about a blog post when I made them!
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
These turned out cute, and a great way to reuse a favorite purse. I’m a little bit of a hoarder myself, at least the hubby says I am. LOL. I have a purse that the strap broke but haven’t gotten rid of it because it was my favorite, and I keep thinking that maybe I can get it fixed. Maybe turning it into bracelets would be a better Idea. I even have belts that I’ve been saving when they get worn around the bucket. They would probably make great bracelets as well.
ducttapeanddenim says
Yes! Belts make great bracelets, too!
Susan Glazebrook says
OMG I have so many favorite purses. What a great idea. I just started reading your stuff and it’s great.
Marjie Krutsch says
Love your sight an found it when wandering.